East Timor dialog

There are some interesting points related to the East Timor dialog scheduled to take place today in Vienna.

First, Indonesian Ambassador for Rumania Mario Viegas Carrascalao's rejection of a UN invitation to attend the dialog illustrates his steadfast stance and integrity on the issue. For him the issue was settled with Law No. 7 in 1976 that specifies the integration of the former Portuguese colony into Indonesia.

Second, is the statement made by Ambassador at Large Lopes da Cruz that East Timor wouldn't be discussed during the dialog. This supports Carrascalao's rebuff.

How will participants be able to avoid discussing things related to East Timor?

For those East Timorese who also consider themselves Indonesians, integration is already a closed case. But those who don't will try to exploit the forum to advance their political interests.

The meeting's agenda is still unclear, so it is difficult to predict the result. But it is likely that no one will win.

Nevertheless, we hope the dialog will contribute to a comprehensive solution to the issue.

-- Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta